Stripping mechanism

ABSTRACT

Photographic apparatus for stripping an image-recording unit of the self processing type from an associated carrier sheet, pod and trap. The image-recording unit includes integral photosensitive and process elements strippably mounted on a carrier sheet, with a cooperating pod (supply container for fluid processing composition) and trap (collector for excess fluid processing composition) permanently secured to the carrier sheet. The apparatus defines a first path along which the imagerecording unit is adapted to be transported from the apparatus, and a second path, including a portion extending in a direction divergent to the first path, along which the carrier sheet is adapted to be transported from the apparatus. Movement of the above-mentioned elements along the respective first and second paths is effective to strip the recording unit from its associated carrier sheet, pod and trap, as the recording unit is transported from the apparatus.

[ Sept. 12, 1972 Primary Examiner-John M. l-loran AssistantExaminer--Alan A. Mathews Bl !2'l:. 9 5E- Attorney-R0 ert W. Hampton andJ. Addision Mathews ester, NY. Oct. 2, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT Photographicapparatus for stripping an image-recording unit of the self processingtype from an associated carrier sheet, pod and trap. The image-recordingunit ,95/13, 95/19 includes integral photosensitive and process elements.G03b 17/52 strippably mounted on a carrier sheet, with a ,95/13, 19, 22cooperating pod (supply container for fluid processing composition) andtrap (collector for excess fluid Refe 'gnces Cit d processingcomposition) permanently secured to the carrier sheet. The apparatusdefines a first path along UNITED STATES PATENTS which theimage-recording unit is adapted to be transported from the apparatus,and a second path, includ- Umted States Patent Nerwin [54] STRIPPINGMECHANISM I [72] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Roch- [22] Filed:

[21] Appl. No.: 77,515

[51] Int.

[58] Fieldof ing a portion extending in a direction divergent to thealong which the carrier sheet is adapted to be transported from theapparatus'Movement of the above-mentioned elements along the respectivefirst and second paths is effective to strip the recording unit from itsassociated carrier sheet, pod and trap, as the recording unit istransported from the apparatus.

6 Claims, 8 Drawing m m mmm /9/999// 5 "5 n "55 9 Ms M m M9 3 m m mm mnm his m .mm mu TO .D H EC vHE 9 09999 577.6656 99999999 11111111 2263201 I 1 11 PATENTED 3.690.238

sum 1 OF 3 H F|G.| 75 W l -K 25 2 1' 24 HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEUSEP 12 B72 sum '2 or 3 HUBERT NERWIN INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS l STRIPPING MECHANISM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSReference is made to my U.S. Pat. applications Ser. No. 70,836, entitledFILM UNIT, filed on Sept. 9, 1970; Ser. No. 70,835, entitledPHOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT, filed on Sept. 9, 1970; Ser. No. 77,474,

now abandoned, entitled FILM ASSEMBLAGE, filed on even date herewith;and to commonly assigned copending US. application Ser. No. 33,677,entitled PI-IOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, filed on May 1, l970'in the name ofD. M. Harvey.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates to photographic apparatus useable withself-processingphotographic film. It is well known in the photographicarts to provide film units-with materials'for processing the unitsimmediately after their exposure. Generally such units in- .clude aphotosensitive element comprising a support having thereon at least onelayer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to beregistered over the photosensitive element for processing. -A viscousprocessing composition is released from a rupturable pod at one end ofthe unit 'andis spread toward the other end by passing the unit betweenjuxtaposed pressure-applying members that distribute the composition ina layer of predetermined thickness between the two elements. Thedistributed fluid composition then permeates the layers of the unit ple,in US. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

In more recently developed film units, generally referred to as being ofthe integral type, the photosensitive and second elements permanentlyremain in superposed relationship during and after processing. Theseelements may be spaced-apart during exposure, but preferably aresupplied in a composite, permanently registered or integral form. In thelatter case, the elements are superposed prior to exposure and remainsubstantially in the same physical form after Processing. The processsheet is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitive materialsfrom the top side of the unit, and the image or printreceiving layer islocated either in the process sheet or, preferably, in thephotosensitive element, to provide a positive image without beingstripped from the rest of the unit. Film units of this latter type aredisclosed, for example, in commonly assigned, copending US. Pat.application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled PHOTO- GRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT FORDIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the thephotosensitive and image-receiving elements of each respective filmunit. Various different types of such leaders are disclosed, forexample, in the abovementioned U.S. application Ser. Nos. 77,474 and33,677; and in US. Pat. Nos. 2,477,304; 2,558,856; 3,046,861; 3,080,805;v 3,152,529; 3,309,201 and 3,511,659.

The present invention is concerned with means for facilitating. thehandling of self-processing filni units,

and with apparatus for separatingthe finished print from associatedmaterials that are not necessary after processing has been initiated.More specifically, the invention is concerned with such apparatus asapplied to the particular problemsencountered in film units of theintegral type. The invention hasparticular utility with pre-registeredintegral film units.

2. Description of the Prior Art The development of commerciallypractical film units of the integral type, and especially pre-registeredintegral film units, has constituted a significant step toward reducingmany of the problems inherent in peel-apart units. At the same time,however, numerous and often unexpected new problems have beenencountered. By way of example, only, the film handling mechanismsutilized with peel-apart units often are not entirely satisfactory foruse with integral units. Similarly, with peel-apart units, it'isrelatively easy to separate the finished print from its leaders, andalso from its pod, trap, and other materials left over as waste afterprocessing. Such separation is facilitated by the moistened interface atthe point of separation between the print-receiving element and thephotosensitive element, resulting from the distribution of a processingcomposition therebetween. In integral units, on the other hand, thefinishedprint permanently remains attached to the photosensitiveelement, as well as to the process sheet, and separation of the leadersand other processing waste materials becomes much more difficult becauseit cannot occur at the moistened interface provided by the distributedprocessing composition.

In commonly assigned copending US. application Ser. No. 33,677, entitledPHOTOGRAPI-IIC AP- PARATUS, and filed on May 1, 1970 in the name of D.M. Harvey, an integral film unit and stripping mechanism have beendisclosed that suggest solutions to many of these newly encounteredproblems, and the solutions presented therein generally have beenconsidered satisfactory. In at least certain respects, however, thatunit and mechanism may not be sufficiently versatile in application topermit its use with different types of packs. For example, it isdesirable to be able to manufacture integral film units and strippingmechanisms particularly adapted for manual operation. Moreover, it isimportant that the unit and mechanism SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Inaccordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention,photographic apparatus is provided for handling integral film unitspreferably arranged in assemblages or packs that include leaderarrangements for interconnecting and transporting the film units.Preferred film units useable with the apparatus each include a smallerimage-recording unit coupled to a carrier sheet, with an associatedcontainer for processing composition and a trap for collecting anyexcess of the composition. The film units are arranged in a stack forsequential exposure and processing, and are interconnected such that thewithdrawal of one of the film units between juxtaposed pressure-applyingmembers in the apparatus also automatically threads a leading endportion of the next successive unit, or its leader, between thepressure-applying members. At the same time, the leading end portion ismoved to a position where it may be grasped for withdrawing that nextsuccessive film unit from the apparatus. The apparatus includes astripping guide that defines a first path for guiding theimage-recording unit from the apparatus and a second path,including aportion extending in a direction divergent fromthe first path, forguiding the carrier sheet from the apparatus.

The preferred image-recording unit useable with the present apparatus isreleasably coupled to its carrier sheet, and to its associated fluidcontainer and trap, for separation therefrom after processing isinitiated. The container and trap, on the other hand, permanently areattached to the carrier sheet, and remain therewith for disposal afterbeing separated from the image-recording unit. Such separation iseffected automatically by the apparatus as the recording unit and itscarrier are guided from the apparatus along the respective paths and onopposite sides of the stripping guide.

It is an object of the present invention to provide photographicapparatus for handling integral film units. Another object of theinvention is to provide such apparatus for automatically separating animagerecording unit from various waste material after processing of theunit has been initiated.

A further object is to provide such an apparatus for use with anassemblage of film units wherein the withdrawal of one film unit fromthe assemblage automatically moves a leader portion of a nextsuccessiveunit to a position where it may be grasped for manuallywithdrawing that next successive unit from the assemblage.

Still another object of the invention is to provide photographicapparatus, such as a camera, for exposing integral film units and havingopposed pressure-applying members between which the units are adapted tobe withdrawn to initiate processing, the camera further including amechanism automatically for separating waste material from animage-recording portion of the film unit as the unit is withdrawnbetween the pressure members.

Another object is to provide apparatus for use with an assemblage offilm units each including a pod and image-recording unit supported on acarrier, wherein the pod is permanently coupled to the carrier and theimage-recording unit is strippably coupled to the pod and carrier, andwherein the apparatus is effective for stripping the image-recordingunit from the carrier and pod after processing has been initiated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment presented below, reference is made to theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. I is a side, partially cut away view of photographic apparatus inaccordance with the present invention. I

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a film pack useable with the apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of a film assemblage comprising part of thepack depicted in FIG. 2 and useable with apparatus in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary partially cross-sectioned pictorial view of astripping mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 5-8 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating variousstages in the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the filmassemblage of FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Because photographic film unitsare well known, the present description will be directed in particularto elements forming part of, or cooperating directly with the presentinvention. Elements not specifically shown or described herein should beunderstood as being selectable from those known to those skilled in theart.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-4, apreferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated comprisingphotographic apparatus, such as a camera 1, for use with a film pack 2,including a casing 3 for containing an assemblage 5 of integralself-processing photographic film units 7 and a dark slide 9.

Preferred individual image-recording and film units for usein theapparatus are illustrated and described more fully in my previouslymentioned U.S. applications Ser. .Nos. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, and70,835, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT. Briefly, however, each filmunit comprises a carrier sheet 11; an image-recording portion or smallerunit 13, including photosensitive and process elements 15 and 17; a podor container 19 for processing composition; and a trap or collector 21for any excess processing composition. An assemblage of such film unitsis illustrated in my previously mentioned application Ser. No. 77,474,entitled FILM ASSEMBLAGE, and may contain any number of film units, forexample eight, but has been illustrated with only three such units tosimplify the illustrations and descriptions. Similarly, referencenumerals generally are applied only to one of the illustrated filmunits, since all of the units are substantially identical in mostrespects.

The photosensitive and process elements 15 and 17 accurately areconstructed to define sheets having straight edges, square comers andappropriate borders, and properly are registered during manufacture, toprovide a uniformly flat, aesthetically pleasing structure that willmaintain its integrity after processing. Except for a pod, trap, andcarrying sheet, included in the more comprehensive structure to bedescribed hereinafter, the image-recording unit 13 is intended to besupplied with all parts necessary for processing by the intendedapparatus, and all such parts permanently are retained together withoutadversely effecting the finished print.

The carrier sheet 11 supports image-recording unit 13 with the pod 19and trap 21 coupled to the recording unit for discharging a suitableprocessing composition between the elements at one end of the recordingunit and for collecting any excess of thecomposition from between theelements at the opposite end'thereof. The carrier is particularlyadapted for convenient handling of the entire film unit 7 from the firststages of manufacture, to completion of the finished print and disposalof any processing wastematerial. For this purpose the carrier comprisesan individual sheet that most closelyis associated only with one filmunit, although it iscoupled to other similar units in the assemblage asdescribed hereinafter.

The pod l9 and trap 21 permanently are secured to the. carrier sheet,but only releasably arecoupled to the image-recording unit 13.Similarly,-the image-record.- ingunit is only releasably coupled to thecarrier sheet 11. As will be described more fully hereinafter, such anarrangement of permanent and releasable couplings permits strippingafter processing of the image-recording unit (then defining the finishedprint) from the carrier, pod and trap. The latter three elements, thencomprising processing waste material, may be rolled up and discarded inone packet, with the carrier sheet surrounding the pod and trap andprotecting any sensitive environment (e.g. clothing and skin) from anyremaining processing composition in the waste material.

The preferred photographic apparatus or camera 1 is adapted to receivethe above-mentioned assemblage 5 and pack 2 for sequentially exposingand for initiating the processing of film units in the assemblage. Forthe latter purposes, the apparatus includes stepped pressure-applyingmembers 23 and 24 for rupturing pod l9 and for distributing a processingcomposition between the elements 15 and 17 of the image-recording unit13. Additionally, the apparatus is provided with a stripping mechanism25 for separating the image-recording unit from certain processing wastematerial (such as the carrier sheet, pod, trap and any leaders) as thefilm unit is withdrawn between the pressure-applying members and afterprocessing of the image-recording unit has been initiated.

IMAGE-RECORDING UNIT (Photosensitive Element and Process Sheet) In apreferred form, photosensitive element 15 comprises a substantiallyflat, resilient support of transparent cellulose triacetate film basedefining a first or leading end, a second or trailing end, lateral edgesand a central portion. At least the latter central portion supportsrespective layers of image-receiving material, opaque reflectingmaterial, and silver-halide emulsion with associated dye image-providingmaterial. Such layers preferably are arranged in the sequence given,with the supportlocated near the bottom or outside face adjacent thecarrier sheet, where it can protect that side of the unit, and thesilver-halide emulsion located near the top or inside face adjacent theprocess sheet, where it is protected by the process sheet. As willbecome more apparent hereinafter, the silver-halide emulsion is adaptedto be exposed through the process sheet, from the top side of the unit,and the developed print. is adapted to be viewed through the transparentsupport, from the bottom side of the unit.

The process sheet or second element 17 also preferably is formed of atransparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, anddefinesaresilient, substantially flat sheet having leading and trailingends,

lateral edges, and a central portion corresponding to equivalent partsof the photosensitive element. In addition to its function in spreadingthe processing composition, to be described morefully hereinafter thetransparent process sheet protects the top side of the photosensitiveelement and film unit .while permitting the above-mentioned. exposure ofthe silver-halide emulsion. l

Photosensiti've element 15 and process sheet 17 preferably arerectangular and coextensive with one another, and maybemaintained i-nregistered or superposed facing relationship by anypermanent seal orconnection to define the image-recording unit 13. Regardless of theparticular type of seal or connection, or of its particular manner ofapplication, the photosensitive and process elements are securedsubstantially in direct contacting relationship, or the equivalentthereof, at lateral marginal edge portions and in such a manner that thecentral portions of the elements are retained in registered overlyingrelationship, but may be resiliently spaced apart in their centralportions to permit the spreading of a processing compositiontherebetween. Additionally, the leading and trailing ends of therecording unit are resiliently separable to permit the introduction ofthe processing composition between the elements at the leading end andthe collection of any excess composition from the trailing end.

COMPREHENSIVE FILM UNIT (Including Carrier, Pod and Trap) Theimage-recording unit described above, comprising the photosensitiveelement 15 and process sheet or second element 17, particularly isadapted to cooperate with various elements of the more comprehensivefilm unit 7 with which it has been illustrated. The latter unit includesthe carrier sheet 11, the container or pod l9, and the excess fluidcollector or trap 21, all of which cooperate for recording anddeveloping a latent image when used with the intended apparatus.

The trap or excess-fluid collector generally comprises one or morelifters 31 permanently mounted on a skirt 33 at the trailing end of thecarrier sheet for collecting any excess fluid composition expelled fromthe trailing end of the image-recording unit 13. The lifters aresubstantially incompressible and cooperate with the carrier to defineappropriate surfaces preferably completely enclosing a chamber or voidthat is maintained even when between the pressure members. A moredetailed description of the operation of such lifters is set forth inUS. Pat. No. 2,686,717.

The container or pod 19 may include various cooperating parts, togetherdefining a suitable processing-composition supplying mechanism, andpreferably including a rupturable containing part generally comprising arectangular blank of a vapor impervious material that is folded along afirst side edge and is securely sealed or closed along its ends. Asecond side opposite from the folded side, is provided alongsubstantially its entire length with a rupturable seal adapted torelease a fluid composition from the container upon the application ofhydraulic forces generated by passing the container between a pair ofjuxtaposed pressure-applying members, such as rollers 23 and 24. Thecontaining part of the fluid supplying mechanism is coupled to orcooperates with a leading end of the recording unit in any suitablemanner for discharging its fluid contents between the photosensitiveelement and process sheet, and for this purpose has been illustratedwith a funnel inserted into a space or slot provided between thephotosensitive element and process sheet at the leading end of theimage-recording unit. i s

Carrier sheet 11 comprises an elongated web of flexiw ble materialdefined by one or more sheets cut and joined to provide the desiredconfiguration and length. As will be described more fully hereinafter,this carrier sheet, either alone, or in combination with variousleaders, serves to interconnect various ones of a plurality of the filmunits in assemblage or pack 2, and also serves for transporting suchunits in photographic apparatus such as a cartridge 3 or the camera 1.For this reason the carrier is adapted to be folded or rolled back inalmost any desired manner at one or more locations along its leading end37 for proper attachment to such other units, and to provide a morecompact (shorter) assemblage. This same unit may be assembled in manydifferent arrangements, both simple and complex, and with no significantchange in the unit itself, except, perhaps in its manner of folding orin the attachment of one or more leaders as mentioned above.

The carrier comprises a first leading end portion 37, a second trailingend portion and a central supporting portion4l. The length of leadingend 37 depends on many factors, such'as the manner in which the unitsare to be connected in a pack. The central supporting portion 41 of thecarrier is provided with suitable connecting means, such as adhesives,cohesives or seals, for coupling the image-recording unit 13, the pod l9and trap 21, to the carrier sheet in a manner described more fully inthe abovementioned US. Pat. application Ser. No. 70,835, entitledPI-IOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT. Briefly, however, the image-recording unit isstrippably attached to the carrier, while the pod and trap arepermanently attached thereto, such that the carrier, pod and trap may bestripped from the recording unit, to leave an aesthetically unencumberedprint, and for convenient discarding of the processing waste materials.

The pod l9 and trap 21 also are releasably coupled to theimage-recording unit 13. However, such coupling preferablyis onlyfunctional. For example, lips of the pod, or its funnel, may be insertedbetween the photosensitive and process elements at the leading endthereof, and trailing ends of the photosensitive and process elementsmay be inserted between similar lips of the trap. Such arrangements aremore fully illustrated and described in commonly assigned copending US.application Ser. No. 33,677, entitled PHOTO- GRAPHIC APPARATUS, andfiled on May l, 1970 in the name of D. M. Harvey.

Preferably the photographic apparatus includes stepped pressure-applyingmembers as illustrated and described in previously mentioned US.application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT. In operation, raisedshoulder portions of the pressure members are adapted to ride on themarginal portions of the film unit as the unit is pulled between themembers, while recessed central portions of the members simultaneouslyare adapted to rupture the container and spread the processingcomposition in a uniform layer.

As the fluid processing composition is expelled from the container anddistributed between the photosensitive and process elements, hydraulicforces in the fluid composition will separate the resilient elements intheir central portions and force them (with the carrier sheet) intoengagement with the central'portions of the pressure members. f As theprocessing compositionis distributed, it immediately begins topermeate-the various layers of the photosensitive element to initiateprocessing in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter.Additionally, various components of the processing composition,including water, begin to escape or dissipate entirely through orotherwise from between the photosensitive and process elements to thesurrounding atmosphere, resulting eventually in a drying of theprocessing composition. The composition comprises only a very smallpercentage of solids (e.g. less than 5 percent), and most of the rest ofthe composition (essentially water) eventually escapes from between theelements (e.g. within a few hours). As a result, the forces holding thephotosensitive and process elements apart are relieved and theresiliency of the elements effects their return to facing engagement. Bythis time the image-recording unit again has assumed its originaluniformly flat configuration; Additionally, since the image-recordingunit l3 is adapted to be stripped from the carrier sheet, the finishedprint will be presented in a form unencumbered by the various materials,such as the pod and trap, that are necessary only for processing.

The pod and trap remain with the carrier sheet after stripping and canbe rolled up in the sheet to enclose any remaining processingcomposition and to protect the environment, e.g. clothing and person,from the composition. Preferably, this roll, including all processingwaste material, is discarded immediately. However, it also may bedeposited temporarily in a pocket or drawer without substantial risk ofdamage thereto.

ASSEMBLAGE AND PACK (Leader Arrangement) The preferred film assemblage,illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 5-8 is more fully illustratedand described in my previously mentioned US. application Ser. No.77,474, entitled FILM ASSEMBLAGE. Briefly, however, the assemblagecomprises a plurality of film units 7 and a leader arrangement forcoupling the leading end of one film unit to the leading end of a nextadjacent (preceding) film unit. In most cases the following descriptionwill be setforthin connection with thelast film unit in the assemblage.However, where it is necessary'to refer'to a particular film unit, theunits will be distinguished by a, b andc to represent the first, next,and last film units, respectively, it being understood that ordinarilythe assemblage will contain eight rather than three film units. Theleader arrangement preferably is defined by extensions or leading endsof the carrier sheets themselves, or, by one or more additional orsupplemental leaders coupledto the leading endof each of thecarriersheets. Thecoupling between the film unitsis such that the withdrawal ofone of the film units from the assemblageautomatically will effect both:(1) the withdrawal of a leading end portion of the leader of the nextsuccessive film unit from the assemblage; and (2) the automaticstripping or separation of that leading end portion from the precedingwithdrawn filmunit. When used in photographic apparatus havingjuxtaposedpressure-applying membersfthe withdrawal of I one unit betweenthe members automatically threads the leader of the next successive filmunit between the pressuremembersand leaves a portion of that leader in aposition outside the apparatus where it may be grasped for pulling thenext unit between the pressure members.

More specifically, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 the preferred leaderarrangement comprises a leader or leading end portion of carrier sheet11 that extends first forwardly from the leading end of theimage-recording unit 13 and then rearwardly to a position at its end 55where it is coupled to the carrier sheet of the next adjacent(preceding) film unit. The coupling 55 is designed to be released orstripped from the next preceding carrier sheet at an appropriate time,and for this reason is provided with a suitable connecting mechanismthat is sufficiently strong to remain intact while the leading end 55is'transported within and from the assemblage but is sufficiently weakto separate from the next precedingfilm unit when the leadingend 55 islocated in a position outside the assemblage where it manually can begrasped. Assisting to this end is the additional length defined by therearwardly extending folded-back portion 37 of the carrier sheet thatpermits movement of the leading end 55 from the assemblage withoutsubstantial frictional resistance. However, after that leading end iswithdrawn and threadedbetween the pressure members of an associatedphotographic apparatus, the originally folded-back portion becomes fullyextended, and the suddenly increased resistance to movement of theleading end effects an increase in the forces applied to the connection.Additionally, as is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 6, the leaderreverses its direction as it is withdrawn from the assemblage such thatits leading end 55 will be folded orrolled back upon itself just beforeit is intended to separate from the next preceding unit. At such timethe forces applied to the connection change in nature from mainly sheerforces to mainly tensil forces, and a peeling-efiect results thatfacilitates the separation. The'connection is relatively weak intension, and will separate or peel apart as the tensil forces increase,thus depositing the leading end outside the apparatus in a positionwhere it may be grasped for withdrawing the next successive unit fromthe assemblage.

The dark slide 9 is coupled to the first or uppermost film unit in thesame manner described above inconnection with the couplings between therespective film units.

CAMERA AND STRIPPINGMECHANISM The camera 1 is most clearly illustratedin FIG. 1 and permitsopening of the camera back and positioning of thefilm pack casing 3 into the cartridge compartment 73. Aparting line 78is provided between the front and back sections at one end of the camerasuch that opening of the camera back will separate one of the pressuremembers 23, in the camera back, from the other of the pressure members24; in the front section. The parting line also is located formaintaining a stripping guide'83 in the front housing section, adjacentthe front pressure member 24 upon opening of the camera back. The pack 2is located in the camera with a leading end portion of the dark slide 9extending therefrom, such that closing of the camera back will positionthe pressure members 23 and 24 on opposite sides of the dark slide andthe leading'end portion of the dark slide will project from a first exitslot 81 to a position outside the camera where it is accessible forwithdrawing the dark slide through that first exit slot.

Casing 3 is located in the camera by cooperating surfaces 85 on thecasing and 87 on the camera that align the foremost film unit in thecamera focal plane and also serve as a light seal. The film units arearranged in stacked relation in the camera and are adapted to be exposedsequentially and then processed by withdrawing the film units betweenthe juxtaposed pressure-applying members and from the camera. As theunits pass between the members the pods '19 are ruptured and theprocessing composition is distributed between the photosensitive andprocess elements from the leading end. of the unit to its trailing endwhere any excess of the composition is collected in trap 21.

The stripping mechanism is illustrated most clearly in FIG. 4 andcomprises the stripping guide .83 located on the opposite side of thepressure members from the film units and defining first and second pathsleading from the cartridge or cartridge chamber to the camera exterior.One of the paths, including a second exit slot 91, defines asubstantially straight or flat plane from the cartridge casing exit 93,through the pressure-applying members and to the exterior of theapparatus through the second exit slot 91. The other path, on the otherhand, passes from the cartridge casing exit, through the pressuremembers, and then extends in a direction divergent to the firstmentioned path and through the first exit 81 spaced from theabove-mentioned exit 91.

The pack is prepared for a first exposure by grasping the leading end ofthe dark slide and withdrawing the dark slide between thepressure-applying members and from the camera. As the dark slide iswithdrawn, the leader or leading end portion 37a of carrier sheet 11awill move with the dark slide and will be threaded between thepressure-applying members and through the first exit channel 81 to theposition illustrated in FIG. 6. In its folded condition (illustrated inFIG. the leading end 37a provides sufficient excess material to movefreely to the position illustrated in FIG. 6 without substantialfrictional resistance. However, after reaching such position, the excessmaterial is exhausted and significant additional resistance to movementis presented by the first film unit 70. This additional resistance canresult inherently from the compact arrangementof the pack, or can besupplemented by a frangible coupling between the trailing end of thefilm unit and the pack casing in a manner well known to those skilled inthe art. In any event the increased resistance is sufficient to effect apeeling apart of the dark slide from the leader or leading end 37a alsoas depicted in FIG. 6.

The first film unit then is exposed, and is transported from theassemblage and betweenthe pressure-applying members by grasping andpulling on the leader or leading end 37a of carrier sheet 11a. As thatcarrier sheet is withdrawn, the pod 19a, thetrap 21a, and the leadingend of the next successive carrier sheet 11b all followthe first carriersheet 11a between the rollers and along a first curved or arcuate pathto first exit channel 81. The film unit 13a, on the other hand, isrelatively stiff and moves along a straight second path to a second exitchannel 91 and the camera exterior. Such first and second paths lie onopposite sides of the stripping guide 83 that defines the paths andeffects the stripping of the image-recording unit from its carriersheet, pod and trap as they pass on opposite sides of the guide and fromthe camera.

The image-recording unit may be expelled entirely from the camera, or itmay be expelled only until its trailing end reaches the second exitchannel, in which point it may be releasably held by a holding spring 95until it is convenient for the camera operator to retrieve the unit. Thecarrier sheet, pod, trap and leader then may be rolled up and discardedin any convenient manner. The print, on the other hand, is retainedseparate from this processing waste material and automatically will beprocessed to a finished print without further intervention by the cameraoperator.

As the first film unit 7a is withdrawn in the manner described above,and after the leader 37b of the next film unit is threaded to its fullyextended position illustrated in FIG. 7, the leading end 55b thereofautomatically will-be stripped from the preceding film unit and will beleft in that position outside the apparatus where it is accessible forwithdrawing the next successive film unit 7 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the leader 37b of the next successive filmunit will remain between the pressure members while the precedingimage-recording unit 13a is being withdrawn between the members.However, the leader thickness is known and the pressure members can bedesigned to properly accommodate that known thickness withoutdeleterious effect on the desired thickness of the processingcomposition layer intended to be spread. Moreover, since the strippableconnection 55b passes between the members before the image-recordingunit 13b, the increased thickness of the connection also will not effectproper spreading of the composition.

The remaining film units in the assemblage also are withdrawn forprocessing in a similar manner and will not be described in furtherdetail.

CHEMISTRY The above-described film units can be used to produce positiveimages in single or multicolors. In a three color system, theimage-recording unit preferably is provided with three emulsion layershaving predominant sensitivity ranges corresponding, respectively, todifferent ones of the primary colors, and further having associated dyeimage-providing materials possessing spectral absorption rangessubstantially complementary to the predominant sensitivity ranges of therespective emulsion'layers: i .e., a blue-sensitive silver-halideemulsion layer is provided with an associated yellow dye image-providingmaterial, a green-sensitive silverhalide emulsion layer is provided withan associated magenta'dye image-providing material, and a red-sensitivesilver-halide emulsion layer is provided with an associated cyan dyeimage-providing material.

In commonly assigned, copending U.S. application Ser. No. 027,990,entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING andfiled on Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole, the dyeimage-providing materials described are nondiffusible couplers capableof reacting with oxidized color developing agent to produce diffusibledyes.

However, other dye image-providing materials can be employed in filmunits useful with the present invention, including dye developers,coupling dyes, etc. Also as described in said U.S. application Ser. No.027,990, such dye image-providing material, may be contained either inthe silver-halide emulsion layers with which they are associated, or inlayers contiguous thereto.

After exposure of the film unit through the transparent process sheet,an opacifying agent contained in the processing composition isdistributed as described above in a layer over at least the exposureframe. Since the negative portion of the film unit is surrounded byopaque material and the emulsion layers now are covered by an opacifyingagent, the unit is rendered light insensitive, and can be removed fromthe camera during processing. The processing composition then difiusesinto the photosensitive element to effect an imagewise development ofthe silver-halide emulsion layers, and imagewise distributions ofdiffusible dye image-providing material (contained in the silver-halideemulsion layers or in layers contiguous thereto) are formed as afunction of the image-wise exposure of the silver-halide emulsionlayers. At least a portion of the imagewise distributions of diffusibledye image-providing material diffuse to the image-receiving layer toproduce a positive dye image that is viewable through the transparentsupport as a right-reading image on the opaque reflecting layerbackground. The image-receiving layer does not have to be stripped awayfrom the rest of the film unit and no timing of development is required.

While the image-recording unit described, generally is of the typeillustrated in previously mentioned U.S. application Ser. No. 027,990,other film units, such as 13 the type disclosed in US. Pat. No.3,415,644, issued Dec. 10, 1968, or integral film units for obtainingblack and ,white images, also can be employed with the presentinvention.

The alkaline processing composition employed in the rupturable containeris the conventional aqueous solution of an alkaline material (e.g.,sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or anamine such as diethylamine,preferably possessing a pH in excess of 12) and an aromatic primaryaminocolor developing agent such as a p-phenylenediamine developingagent. The solution alsopreferably contains a viscosity-increasingcompound, such as a high molecular weight polymer (e.g., a

. water-soluble ether inert to alkaline solutions such as hydroxethylcellulose or alkali metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose such assodium carboxymethyl cellulose), in a concentration of about 1 to about5 percent by weight of the processing composition to impart thereto aviscosity of about 100 cps. to about 200,000

cps.

While the alkaline processing composition" can be employed in arupturable container,"as described previously, to convenientlyfacilitate the introduction of processing composition between thetransparent process sheet and the photosensitive element, other methodsof inserting processing composition into the film unit could also beemployed, (e.g., interjecting processing solution with communicatingmembers similar to hypodermic syringes).

The alkaline solution-permeable, substantially opaque, light-reflectivelayer in the above-described photographic film unit generally comprisesany opacifier dispersed in a binder. Particularly desirableare whitelight-reflective layers, since they provide esthetia cally pleasingbackgrounds on which to view a transferred dye image, and also possessthe optical properties desired for reflectionof incident radiation.(Suitable opacifying-agents include titanium dioxide, barium sulfate,zinc oxide, barium stearate, silver fiake, silicates, alumina, zirconiumoxide, zirconium acetyl acetate, sodium zirconium sulfate, kaolin, mica,or mixtures thereof in widely varying amounts depending upon the degreeof opacity desired.) The opacifying agents may be dispersed in anybinder such as an alkaline solution-permeable polymeric matrix(including, for example, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and the-like). Whenit is desired to increase the opacifying capacity of thelight-reflective layer, dark-colored opacifying agents may be added toit (e.g., carbon black, nigrosine dyes, etc.). Another technique toincrease the opacifying capacity of the light-reflective layer is toemploy a separate opaque layer underneath the reflecting layer(comprising, e.g., carbon black, nigrosine dyes, etc., dispersed in analkaline solution-permeable polymeric matrix including, for example,gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like). Such an opaque layergenerally would'have a density of at least 4 and preferably greater than7 and substantially would be opaque to actinic radiation.

The transparent process sheet and support for the photosensitive elementdescribed above can be any transparent material as long as it does notdeleteriously effect the photographic properties of the film unit and isdimensionally stable. Typical actinic radiation transmissive flexiblesheet materials include cellulose nitrate film, cellulose acetate film,poly (vinyl acetal) film, poly-styrene film, poly(ethyleneterephthalate) film, polycarbonate film, poly-a-olefines, suchas polyethylene and polypropylene film, and related films or resinousmaterials as well as glass. In this latter case only the photosensitiveelement would be sufficiently resilient to accommodate the layer ofprocessing composition.

The respective elements of the film unit described above are selectedand designed to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance and preferablyare stiff enough to be suitable for handling both within and outside ofthe camera. On the other hand, the structure is sufficiently flexiblefor manipulation by camera mechanisms and is sufficiently-resilient torecover from any normal flexing. In the preferred unit (exposed from theprocess sheet or top side and viewed from the bottom side through thetransparent support), the photosensitive portion of the film unit andany negative image remaining after processing permanently are hiddenfrom the top side by the opacifying agent and from the bottom sideby-theopaque reflecting layer. j v

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tothe preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit andscope'of the invention. I

I claim:

l. Photographic apparatus for use with a selfprocessing film unit, thefilm unit including-an integral image-recording unit and a carriersheet, the imagerecording unit being adapted to record a processablelatent image and being separably coupled to the carrier sheet, saidapparatus comprising:

and beyond said boundary, to separate the imagerecording unit from thecarrier sheet; and

juxtaposed pressure-applying members for engaging the film unit betweensaid members and for applying compressive pressure to the film unit toinitiate processing of the film unit; said first path and said secondpath including a common portion lying between said members, and saiddiverging portion lying between said members and said external boundary.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said first path issubstantially straight from said interior chamber, through saidpressure-applying members and to said external boundary.

3. A camera for exposing and initiating the processing of a film unit,the film unit including a photosensitive element for recording aprocessable latent image, a process element for aiding in spreading aprocessing composition between the photosensitive and process elementsto process the latent image, and a leader separably coupled to thephotosensitive and process elements, said camera comprising:

a casing defining a chamber for receiving the film unit and including anexternal wall portion;

a pair of pressure-applying members, mounted within said casing betweensaid chamber and said wall portion, for engaging the film unit betweensaid members and for applying'compressive pressure to the film unit toeffect spreading of the processing composition between thephotosensitive and process elements; 1

means defining a first aperture and a second aperture in said wallportion; and

means for first directing the photosensitive and process elements andthe separably coupled leader between said pressure-applying members, andfor then guiding the photosensitive and process elements through saidfirst aperture and the leader through said second aperture, to separatethe photosensitive and process elements from the leader.

4. In combination, a photographic film unit adapted to be processed byaprocessing composition and a camera adapted to effectuate an exposureand to initiate processing of said film unit, said film unit beingremovable from said cameraafter the processing is initiated:

said film unit comprising a photosensitive element for recording aprocessable latent image in response to the exposure, a process elementpermanently registered with said photosensitive element, said elementstogether forming an integral image-recording unit, and a carrier sheetseparably coupled to said image-recording unit; and

said camera comprising means for effectuating the exposure, a pair ofjuxtaposed pressure-applying members, for receiving said image-recordingunit therebetween to spread the processing composition between saidelements and thereby initiate the processing, and means for thereafterseparating said image-recording unit from said carrier sheet andfordirecting said image-recording unit and said carrier sheet from saidcamera.

5. The combination claimed in claim 4 comprising a plurality of filmunits wherein one of said film units includes a leader separably coupledto another of said film units next adjacent to said one film unit byseparable coupling means permitting said leader to be threaded betweensaid members, and then separated from said adjacent film unit, as saidadjacent film unit is removed from said camera.

6. Photographic apparatus for use with a selfprocessing film unit; thefilm unit including an imagerecording portion, a container of processinginitiating fluid releasably coupled to the image-recording portion forsupplying the processing initiating fluid to the image-recordingportion, and a carrier permanently attached to the container andstrippably coupled to the image-recording portion for facilitatinghandling of the film unit by said apparatus; the imagerecording portionhaving a photosensitive element for recording a processable latent imageand a process sheet permanently attached to the photosensitive elementin registered relationship for aiding in the processing of the latentimage; said apparatus comprising:

a casing defining a supplychamber and including means for locating thefilm with a position for e osure t es ablish th latent ima'e in the phtosensitive e ement, said supply chanber having an end through which thefilm unitis removable from said supply chamber for processing of thefilm unit after its exposure; v means for initiating processing of thefilm unit after exposure of the film unit, said processing initiatingmeans including a pair of opposed pressure-applying members locatedadjacent said end of said chamber, the film unit being movable betweensaid members and in engagement with said members for applyingcompressive pressure to the film unit; and means spaced adjacent saidpressure-applying mem bers on the opposite side of saidpressure-applying members from said supply chamber for deflecting thecarrier away from the image-recording portion to strip the carrier andrelease the container from the image-recording portion, the film unitbeing movable from between said members to said deflecting means along afirst path, and the container and carrier being movable beyond saiddeflecting means along second and third relatively diverging paths.

1. Photographic apparatus for use with a self-processing film unit, thefilm unit including an integral image-recording unit and a carriersheet, the image-recording unit being adapted to record a processablelatent image and being separably coupled to the carrier sheet, saidapparatus comprising: a body portion defining an external boundary ofsaid apparatus and an interior chamber for receiving the film unit;means defining a first path and a second path from said chamber to andthrough said boundary, said second path including a divergent portiondiverging from said first path; means for guiding the image-recordingunit along said first path and beyond said boundary, and for directingthe carrier sheet along said second path and beyond said boundary, toseparate the image-recording unit from the carrier sheet; and juxtaposedpressure-applying members for engaging the film unit between saidmembers and for applying compressive pressure to the film unit toinitiate processing of the film unit; said first path and said secondpath including a common portion lying between said members, and saiddiverging portion lying between said members and said external boundary.2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said first path issubstantially straight from said interior chamber, through saidpressure-applying members and to said external boundary.
 3. A camera forexposing and initiating the processing of a film unit, the film unitincluding a photosensitive element for recording a processable latentimage, a process element for aiding in spreading a processingcomposition between the photosensitive and process elements to processthe latent image, and a leader separably coupled to the photosensitiveand process elements, said camera comprising: a casing defining Achamber for receiving the film unit and including an external wallportion; a pair of pressure-applying members, mounted within said casingbetween said chamber and said wall portion, for engaging the film unitbetween said members and for applying compressive pressure to the filmunit to effect spreading of the processing composition between thephotosensitive and process elements; means defining a first aperture anda second aperture in said wall portion; and means for first directingthe photosensitive and process elements and the separably coupled leaderbetween said pressure-applying members, and for then guiding thephotosensitive and process elements through said first aperture and theleader through said second aperture, to separate the photosensitive andprocess elements from the leader.
 4. In combination, a photographic filmunit adapted to be processed by a processing composition and a cameraadapted to effectuate an exposure and to initiate processing of saidfilm unit, said film unit being removable from said camera after theprocessing is initiated: said film unit comprising a photosensitiveelement for recording a processable latent image in response to theexposure, a process element permanently registered with saidphotosensitive element, said elements together forming an integralimage-recording unit, and a carrier sheet separably coupled to saidimage-recording unit; and said camera comprising means for effectuatingthe exposure, a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members forreceiving said image-recording unit therebetween to spread theprocessing composition between said elements and thereby initiate theprocessing, and means for thereafter separating said image-recordingunit from said carrier sheet and for directing said image-recording unitand said carrier sheet from said camera.
 5. The combination claimed inclaim 4 comprising a plurality of film units wherein one of said filmunits includes a leader separably coupled to another of said film unitsnext adjacent to said one film unit by separable coupling meanspermitting said leader to be threaded between said members, and thenseparated from said adjacent film unit, as said adjacent film unit isremoved from said camera.
 6. Photographic apparatus for use with aself-processing film unit; the film unit including an image-recordingportion, a container of processing initiating fluid releasably coupledto the image-recording portion for supplying the processing initiatingfluid to the image-recording portion, and a carrier permanently attachedto the container and strippably coupled to the image-recording portionfor facilitating handling of the film unit by said apparatus; theimage-recording portion having a photosensitive element for recording aprocessable latent image and a process sheet permanently attached to thephotosensitive element in registered relationship for aiding in theprocessing of the latent image; said apparatus comprising: a casingdefining a supply chamber and including means for locating the film unitin a position for exposure to establish the latent image in thephotosensitive element, said supply chamber having an end through whichthe film unit is removable from said supply chamber for processing ofthe film unit after its exposure; means for initiating processing of thefilm unit after exposure of the film unit, said processing initiatingmeans including a pair of opposed pressure-applying members locatedadjacent said end of said chamber, the film unit being movable betweensaid members and in engagement with said members for applyingcompressive pressure to the film unit; and means spaced adjacent saidpressure-applying members on the opposite side of said pressure-applyingmembers from said supply chamber for deflecting the carrier away fromthe image-recording portion to strip the carrier and release thecontainer from the image-recording portion, the film unit being movablefrom between said members to said deflecting meAns along a first path,and the container and carrier being movable beyond said deflecting meansalong second and third relatively diverging paths.